Flows in Polymer Networks

A simple transient network model is introduced to describe creation and annihilation of junctions in the networks of associating polymers. Stationary non-linear viscosity is calculated by the theory and by Monte Carlo simulation to study shear thickening. The dynamic mechanical moduli are calculated as functions of the frequency and the chain disengagement rate. From the peak of the loss modulus, the lifetime T × of the junction is estimated, and from the high frequency plateau of the storage modulus, the number of elastically effective chains in the network is found. Transient phenomena such as stress relaxation and stress overshoot are also theoretically studied. Results are compared with the recent experimental reports on the rheological study of hydrophobically modified water-soluble polymers.